Lindy Republican Club Honors Locals (Photos)

Three Lindy locals who give back to the community by working with and supporting the community's youth were recently honored at the Lindenhurst Republican Club's Annual Clam Bake fundraiser.

Bill Atkinson, Mike Rapisardi and Gerard Sherlock were given Community Service Awards at the event at .

For the Love of the Little League
The first award went to , who's been affiliated with the Lindenhurst National Little League as a coach, manager, director and president since 1961. He's been the president of the League since 1991.

He and his wife, Helen, have two sons - William and Kevin - and one grandchild. Atkinson's also retired from the Suffolk County Police Department.

Lindenhurst Mayor Tom Brennan and Deputy Village Administrator and Club President Doug Madlon presented the award to Atkinson, noting his dedication to the League and to the kids.

"His heart and soul is with the children, and he's truly deserving of this award for all he's done for our little leaguers," Madlon said.

"I'm humbled and grateful to receive this award," Atkinson said, thanking the Club and the crowd for the honor. He also said he couldn't do what he does without the support of his wife and family and the work and dedication of all of the coaches, directors, managers and board members of the League.

Gridiron Support
The second award went to Rapisardi, the president of the Lindenhurst Football and Cheering League.

A Lindy resident since 1995, Rapisardi started coaching football in 1998, and has served as trustee, coach and vice president. He's been president of the League since 2006.

He and his wife, Rose, have three children - Diana, Michael and Joseph. He also works as a licensed electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Three.

The mayor and Trustee Mike Lavorata presented the award to Rapisardi, both of them noting what a great job he's been doing through the years.

"It's been an honor to get to know you all of these years," Lavorata said.

"And thank you all for your help and support," Rapisardi said as he accepted the award.

Dedicated to Soccer
The third award went to Sherlock, the president of the Lindenhurst Junior Squire Soccer League. He's been affiliated with the League since its inception in 1972, as a player, coach and now the president.

A life-long Lindy resident, Sherlock played soccer for the  as a four-year starter, as well as Southern Connecticut State University and in Europe for several months in the 1980s.

He was All-League and All-County, and was a United States Army Player of the Year.

Sherlock and his wife, Erica, have two children: Julianna and Colin.

The mayor and Trustee Maryann Weckerle presented the award to Sherlock, noting all that he's done for Lindenhurst through the League.

"Forty years is quite an accomplishment. Soccer's been a major part of his life. Thanks on behalf of the Village," Weckerle said.

"Thanks to everyone for all of their support," Sherlock said as he accepted the award.

Meet the Candidates
, Babylon Town Republican chairman and vice chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee, also announced this year's Republican , including , , .

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